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Sudanese troops have killed hundreds of rebel fighters during a battle in the volatile border province of Southern Kordofan, government officials said Monday.

"The armed forces repelled an attack by the rebels who sought to control Teludi," said Al-Sawarmi Khalid, spokesperson for the Sudanese army. "We expect more attacks as the rainy season has ended, but the situation is now under control."

Ahmad Haroun, the province's governor, said "hundreds of soldiers" from the SPLM-N died in Monday's fighting. Rebel representatives could not be reached for comment.

Khalid said seven Sudanese soldiers were killed and 30 wounded.

Southern Kordofan remained under Sudan's control when South Sudan became independent in July. Fighting broke out in June between government troops in the territory and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, an offshoot of the rebel movement that won South Sudan's independence.